Definition

1. Noun:

   • A precious gemstone: A ruby is a transparent, deep red variety of the mineral corundum, valued as a gem.
   • A deep red color: A ruby is a vivid, rich shade of red, resembling the color of the gemstone.
   • A cut and polished piece of this gem: A ruby can refer to a specific jewel that has been shaped and finished for use in jewelry.

2. Adjective:

   • Of a deep red color: Something described as ruby is colored a vivid, deep red, similar to the gemstone.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Gemstone):
  • Her engagement ring features a large, flawless ruby.
  • Rubies are often more valuable than diamonds of the same size.
• Noun (Color):
  • The wine was a beautiful, dark ruby.
  • She painted the door a deep ruby.
• Adjective:
  • She wore a stunning ruby dress to the gala.
  • The sunset cast a ruby glow across the sky.

Advanced Usage

• "Above rubies" (idiomatic, archaic): Of inestimable worth or value.
  • Her wisdom and kindness were considered above rubies.

Variants and Related Words

• Rubious (adjective, poetic/archaic): Ruby-colored; red.
  • The rubious light of dawn.
• Ruby-red (compound adjective): Having the deep red color of a ruby.
  • The car was a shiny ruby-red.

Synonyms

• Gemstone sense: Red corundum, precious stone.
• Color sense: Crimson, scarlet, garnet, cherry.

Related Phrases

• Pigeon's blood ruby: A term for rubies of a particularly prized, pure, deep red color with a slight bluish hue.
  • The auction featured a rare pigeon's blood ruby necklace.

Adjective

1. of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

Noun

1. a deep and vivid red color
2. a transparent deep red variety of corundum; used as a gemstone and in lasers
3. a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem